THL recommends that third coronavirus vaccine doses be offered 5 to 6 months after the second dose to all those aged 18 or over

The Finnish institute for health and welfare, THL, recommends that third coronavirus vaccine doses be offered to all those aged 18 or over 5 to 6 months after the second vaccine dose. 

For groups for which THL has already recommended third vaccine doses, booster doses are also recommended 5 to 6 months after the second dose. These groups include those aged 60 or over, those who have been vaccinated at short dose intervals, social welfare and health care personnel that works with coronavirus patients, and other social welfare and health care personnel providing urgent care around the clock. For the severely immunodeficient, a third dose is recommended two months after a second dose like before.

Previously, a third dose has been recommended six months after the second dose for others than those with an immunodeficiency. The booster vaccine could now be administered a little faster. The recommendation for a third dose also applies to men under 30 years of age who will be administered BioNTech-Pfizer’s Comirnaty as a third vaccine dose.

Third doses of older people and those in risk groups as a priority

“The recommendation is based on reducing the number of coronavirus infections and preventing the spread of infections. The third vaccine dose will reduce the circulation of the virus in the population and improve protection against the severe form of disease,” says Hanna Nohynek, Chief Physician at THL.

“Regionally, it must be ensured that the vaccination order progresses from the oldest to the youngest, as age is the most significant factor that makes people susceptible to severe coronavirus disease. Vaccination of new age groups should not slow down the vaccination rate of previously assigned groups,” Nohynek continues.

The THL recommendation is in line with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recommendation of 24 November 2021. According to them, countries should consider administering another vaccine dose to people over 18 years of age 6 months after the second vaccine dose. 

The most important thing is to get the first and second vaccine doses

In order to prevent coronavirus infections and severe disease cases, it is still essential that people take the first two doses of coronavirus vaccine.

The interval between the first and the second vaccine dose affects the creation of a vaccine protection. The longer dose interval generates better antibody concentrations, which also remain at a higher level for longer.

“As two coronavirus vaccines do not prevent infections completely, the spread of infections even in younger age groups can be prevented with third doses. However, it is of paramount importance that anyone who does not yet have the first or the second vaccine dose should get their vaccines,” says Mia Kontio, Chief Specialist at THL.

Municipalities may start offering the third vaccinations according to their own schedules. “Enough coronavirus vaccines have been and will be available by future deliveries so that we can vaccinate everyone within the recommended time frame. In addition to Comirnaty, Moderna's Spikevax vaccine will be used in third doses for everyone but men under 30 years of age,” Kontio continues. 

THL has instructed to use primarily the same preparation for the third dose as for the second dose. However, to ensure the sufficiency of the vaccines, a change must be made to the instructions. Then some of those who received a Comirnaty vaccine as their second dose will receive the Spikevax vaccine as their third vaccination.

In studies, the Spikevax vaccine has been at least as effective as the Comirnaty vaccine. In some studies, Spikevax has been even more effective than Comirnaty.

Based on experience from around the world, the cross-use of Comirnaty and Spikevax vaccines has been safe, and the protection has been at least as good as with only one vaccine product. No abnormal severe adverse reactions have been observed when the vaccination series has been continued with another product.

Further information

Hanna Nohynek
Chief Physician
THL
[email protected]
 
Mia Kontio
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected]